The event, which will air on Spike TV on Nov. 14, retraced Murphy's career from his start as a stand-up comic to his work on Saturday Night Live, his HBO specials and his films.

According to E!, Morgan showed up wearing Murphy’s red leather suit form his 1983 special Delirious to introduce a clip of SNL cast members Jason Sudeikis, Fred Armisen, Jay Pharaoh and Kennan Thompson honoring the star.

Morgan said, “I’ll tell you what Eddie's real legacy is -- he made comedy sexy."

Samuel L. Jackson paid homage to Murphy’s movie career, saying, “Eddie Murphy is the man that changed the course of American film history, and I don't exaggerate when I say that. He did it in 1987 when he gave me, Sam Jackson, my first big role in a major film, and thereby launched my career.”

Jackson jokingly added, "If it weren't for Eddie, the world would not have all the wonderful film's I have made."

Stevie Wonder put in a surprise performance, playing "My Cherie Amour" before Murphy joined the Motown legend to perform "Higher Ground," bringing the audience to its feet. Other presenters included Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and Martin Lawrence.